#12 Are Antarctica and the Arctic similar - two icy, remote worlds at opposite ends of the Earth? Or do they offer completely different expedition cruise experiences once you’re actually there?

In this episode, host Rona Wheeldon breaks down the differences between the polar regions, drawing on her own journeys to the Antarctic Peninsula and the Arctic in Norway.

From landscapes and wildlife to culture, accessibility and what you actually do on an expedition, you’ll get a clear, honest look at what sets these two destinations apart.

Rona also shares the simple distinction that completely changed how she understood the poles - something she didn’t realise herself until just before travelling to Antarctica - and why it shapes everything about the way each region feels.

You’ll learn:

• How the landscapes differ, from Antarctica’s vast, monochrome scale to the Arctic’s constantly changing scenery
• Why the wildlife experiences are completely different -penguins in the south, polar bears in the north
• The cultural contrast between Antarctica’s pure wilderness and the Arctic’s Indigenous communities and northern towns
• How accessibility, travel time and seasonality vary between the two regions
• What day‑to‑day life actually looks like on an expedition in each place
• The key difference - continent vs ocean - that explains why the poles feel so different

Whether you’re deciding which polar region to visit first or simply curious about what makes each one unique, this episode gives you an insightful, easy‑to‑understand guide to choosing between Antarctica and the Arctic.

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#11 What is the Drake Passage really like to cross? And how does it feel when you’re sailing it for the very first time?

In this episode, host Rona Wheeldon takes you through one of the most talked‑about parts of any Antarctica expedition: the Drake Passage.

From what it is and why it’s so unique, to what the crossing actually feels like day‑to‑day, you’ll get a clear, honest and reassuring look at this legendary stretch of ocean.

Drawing on her January 2025 voyage onboard Viking’s expedition ship Octantis, Rona shares what helped with seasickness, how the ship handled the conditions and the moment that made the entire journey feel unforgettable.

You’ll learn:

• What makes the Drake Passage one of the most fascinating stretches of ocean on Earth
• Why conditions vary so much, from the “Drake Shake” to the “Drake Lake”
• What the crossing is actually like onboard a modern expedition ship
• How to prepare if you’re worried about seasickness
• Why the Drake is such an important part of easing into expedition life
• What to expect on the return crossing and why it can feel so different

Whether you’re planning your own voyage to Antarctica or simply curious about this iconic crossing, this episode gives you an insightful and experience‑led look at what the Drake Passage is really like, far beyond the dramatic videos online.

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#10 Expedition cruising is evolving faster than ever, and in this episode, host Rona Wheeldon explores the major trends shaping what expedition travel will look like in 2026 and beyond.

From rising demand and new types of travellers, to the growing visibility of the polar regions, to the shift towards sustainability, science and more refined experiences, you’ll discover how expedition cruising is changing and what it means for your next voyage.

You’ll learn:

• Why demand for expedition cruising is rising across all age groups
• How TV shows, social media and streaming platforms are making the polar regions feel more accessible
• Why travellers now want more clarity, reassurance and honest guidance
• How sustainability has become a baseline expectation including the arrival of innovative new ships like Selar’s hybrid‑powered Captain Arctic
• How science‑led expeditions and citizen science programmes are becoming central to the experience
• Why itineraries are becoming more thoughtful, more community‑focused and more meaningful

This episode gives you a clear, insightful look at how expedition cruising is changing and how these trends will shape your experience if you’re planning, or dreaming of, an expedition voyage in the years ahead.

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#9 The Expedition Team is what makes an Expedition Cruise truly different. And in this episode, host Rona Wheeldon takes you behind the scenes to meet the people who shape every moment of your journey.

From the leaders who plan each day, to the guides who take you into the wild, to the specialists who bring the science and stories to life, you’ll discover exactly who’s onboard, what they do and why they matter so much.

You’ll learn:

• How the Expedition Leader and Captain work together to plan each day
• The roles of the Assistant Expedition Leader, Lead Guides and Program Coordinators
• What guides actually do during landings, Zodiac cruises and hikes
• The types of specialists you might meet, from historians to marine biologists
• Why this team is the biggest difference between expedition cruising and traditional cruising

This episode gives you a clear look at the people who make expedition cruising safe, meaningful and unforgettable.

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#8 Zodiacs are one of the most iconic parts of an Antarctic expedition. But if you’ve never stepped into one before, it’s completely normal to feel a little unsure about what to expect.

In this episode, host Rona Wheeldon walks you through exactly how zodiac cruising and landings work, from boarding the boat for the very first time to what it actually feels like to explore Antarctica at water level.

You’ll learn how the crew keep you safe, what the different types of landings involve and why these small inflatable boats often become the highlight of the entire trip.

You’ll learn:

• What a zodiac is and how it’s used on expedition cruises
• How boarding and disembarking really works
• The difference between wet and dry landings
• How the expedition team keeps you safe
• Who zodiac landings are suitable for
• The tiny habit that makes early‑morning landings easier

This is your complete guide to zodiac landings and cruising in Antarctica.

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#7 Packing for Antarctica isn’t like packing for any other holiday, and that’s exactly why so many travellers feel overwhelmed before their expedition even begins.

In this episode, host Rona Wheeldon guides you through everything you actually need for an expedition cruise to the White Continent, from the layering system that keeps you warm and dry to the tech and photography gear that makes capturing the experience effortless.

You’ll learn:

• The three‑layer clothing system that works in sub‑zero temperatures
• What to wear on zodiac landings and cruises
• What to wear indoors onboard
• The accessories that make the biggest difference to your comfort
• Essential tech for staying powered and connected
• The photography gear worth bringing
• The simple piece of kit that helps when packing bulky winterwear

This episode gives you a clear, practical roadmap to preparing for one of the most extraordinary journeys on Earth, cutting through the overwhelm so you know exactly what to bring, what to skip and how to feel ready long before you step aboard.

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#6 Antarctica wildlife encounters are some of the most magical on Earth. In this episode, host Rona Wheeldon takes you to the Antarctic Peninsula to explore the behaviours, species and moments that make this part of the world so extraordinary.

From penguin rookeries bursting with life, to whales feeding in calm bays, to seals hauled out on the ice, you’ll discover what wildlife encounters are really like and how to experience them with care, respect and responsibility.

You’ll learn:

• What makes Antarctica’s wildlife so unique including why animals here aren’t afraid of humans
• The penguin species you’re most likely to see and how their behaviour changes month by month
• Which whales species to be on the look-out for
• How to identify the six different species of Antarctic seals
• Why distance, patience and quiet observation are essential for ethical wildlife encounters
• How expedition teams and IAATO guidelines protect both travellers and wildlife

This episode gives you an in-depth at what wildlife encounters in Antarctica are really like - magical, humbling and always on the animals’ terms.

Whether you’re planning an expedition cruise or simply dreaming of the White Continent, this guide will help you understand what you’ll truly see once you get there.

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#5 Life onboard an expedition ship is unlike any other style of travel, and in this episode, host Rona Wheeldon takes you through a full, real‑time day aboard Viking’s expedition ship Octantis, a day she experienced in Antarctica on 17th January 2025.

From the moment you lift the stateroom blind and see what the weather is doing, to the rhythm of layering up, heading out on Zodiacs, sharing stories over lunch, listening to expert briefings and witnessing unforgettable scenery, this episode gives you an authentic, moment‑by‑moment sense of what expedition life actually feels like.

You’ll learn:

• What a typical morning looks like onboard from breakfast to gearing up for your first adventure
• How kayaking, Zodiac cruises and wildlife encounters unfold in real time
• Why flexibility is essential, and how the expedition team shapes each day around weather and conditions
• What daily briefings cover and how they help you understand the landscape, wildlife and history
• How quiet moments, dramatic scenery and unexpected surprises create the emotional heart of an expedition
• The moment that changed how Rona thinks about expedition cruising and why Antarctica has such a profound impact on travellers
• Why even simple routines, lunch, layering up, stepping outside, feel different when you’re surrounded by ice, silence and scale

This episode offers a vivid, honest and immersive look at life onboard an expedition ship, perfect if you’re curious about what really happens between landings, lectures and those unforgettable moments out on the water.

And if you’d like to find out more about the whole 13‑day Antarctic Explorer itinerary with Viking, head over to my YouTube channel where you’ll find one of my most popular videos.

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#4 Imagine standing on the deck of a small expedition ship as icebergs drift past… and realising this feels nothing like a traditional ocean cruise. Why? Because expedition ships are built for exploration, not entertainment.

In this episode of The Expedition Cruise Podcast, host Rona Wheeldon breaks down what truly sets these expedition vessels apart - from their small size and ice‑strengthened hulls to onboard science labs and expert expedition teams.

You’ll get an introduction to:

• What makes expedition ships purpose‑built for remote places

• How features like Zodiacs, mud rooms and science centres shape your experience

• Why the ship is a basecamp, not the holiday itself

• The role of the expedition team in bringing every destination to life

This episode is perfect if you’re curious about expedition cruising or want to understand why it feels so different from anything else at sea.

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#3 Expedition cruising opens up far more of the world than most people realise and in this episode host Rona Wheeldon takes you on a guided tour of the extraordinary places you can reach when you travel on a small ship, from the icy extremes of the poles to the warm‑water wonders of the tropics.

You’ll discover why Antarctica remains the crown jewel of expedition travel, how the Arctic offers an entirely different kind of polar experience and why destinations like the Galápagos, the Amazon and Papua New Guinea are becoming year‑round favourites.

Rona also highlights some surprising regions including the British Isles, Patagonia, Baja California and Australia’s Kimberley that reveal just how diverse expedition cruising has become.

You’ll learn:

• Why Antarctica and the Arctic remain the world’s most iconic expedition destinations
• What makes Svalbard, Greenland and the Northwest Passage so compelling for wildlife and culture
• Why the Galápagos is the ultimate warm‑water expedition, with wildlife found nowhere else on Earth
• How the Amazon, Papua New Guinea and other tropical regions offer deep cultural and ecological immersion
• Why places like the Kimberley, the British Isles and the Chilean Fjords are rising stars in the expedition world
• When to visit each region and how seasons shape wildlife encounters and landscapes
• How small ships unlock remote coastlines, hidden islands and communities far beyond the reach of traditional cruising

This episode gives you a clear, inspiring overview of the global expedition map, showing just how many extraordinary places become possible when you choose to explore the world by expedition ship.

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